News & Events

Coronavirus (COVID-19) UPDATE - MARCH 16, 2020

Please be advised that this is our latest update on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the role of volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice during this time. (Monday, March 16, 2020—3:00 pm)

Following the advisement of the Ministry of Health, our Medical Director, Dr. Glen Maddison and in consultation with our Board of Directors, St. Joseph’s Hospice Resource Centre will be closed until Monday, April 13th, as the situation of COVID-19 is fluid and continually changing. All non-essential services to Hospice will be suspended. The safety of the people we serve, volunteers, staff and community are of the utmost importance to us. In an abundance of caution there have been recommendations for social distancing measures to help curb the spread of the virus. The following precautions are being implemented.

1) Programs and Services
Non-essential services will be suspended until further notice including intake and assessments, visiting volunteers, children and adult bereavement support groups, caregiver support groups, day hospice, complementary therapy, pet therapy, music entertainment and music therapy.

2) Visitors
Changes to visitor protocols at St. Joseph’s Hospice Residence are needed as we attempt to limit any potential transmission or spread of the COVID-19 virus. Residents will be limited to the same two visitors from the same household for the duration of their stay. All visitors are required to check in at the reception desk and will be asked to NOT visit residents if they are feeling ill themselves. The restrictions will continue until further notice. Please note that Priests, Deacons, Pastors, Ministers of denominations and spiritual leaders are considered essential visitors and are permitted to provide sacramental and spiritual care to all residents. All visitors must enter the Residence at 140 Water Street.
Our current visiting hours for the Residential Hospice (7 days/24 hours) will not be restricted at the present time but will be revisited.

3) Volunteers
Volunteer Services will be CANCELLED with the exception of, Kitchen Volunteers and Direct Support Volunteers.
All volunteers over the age of 65 or with an underlying health condition will have their duties suspended until April 13th and at that point, we will reconsider the situation at hand. As well, if any of the volunteers still actively volunteering during this time have recently travelled outside of Canada (U.S. included), they must not come in for their shift and as recommended by Lambton Public Health, should be in self-isolation for 14 days. Please use your discretion if you are coming in for Kitchen or DSV. As well, if you simply do not feel safe or comfortable coming in, we completely understand.

We will reassess in the coming days and weeks and keep you informed of any new information and developments through our website, Facebook and Instagram accounts. We appreciate your understanding and co-operation in our response to the concerns around COVID-19.